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11.11.2025

Hope Makers: Celebrating Arab Heroes

Illustration for: Hope Makers: Celebrating Arab Heroes

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a Dh1 million prize for the winner of the sixth edition of Hope Makers, the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world.

This program highlights the efforts of philanthropists, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations who devote their time, energy, and resources to aiding those in need and fostering positive societal change.

“Creating hope is the highest and most noble achievement for those dedicated to serving their communities. Hope makers open doors to dreams and security. Our Arab world boasts heroes who make us proud, exemplifying daily acts of generosity and commitment to serving others,” stated the Dubai Ruler.

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“Today, we launch a new edition of the Hope Makers initiative to honor the tens of thousands working behind the scenes, building trust in a better future. Hope Makers deserve recognition and celebration. We invite them to participate and encourage everyone to nominate a Hope Maker they know at arabhopemakers.com,” he added.

The Purpose of Hope Makers

The initiative aims to spotlight unsung heroes who dedicate their time, effort, and resources to serving others and improving lives. It amplifies their work through media platforms and provides financial support to broaden the reach of impactful projects.

Beyond recognition, Hope Makers cultivates a culture of hope, generosity, and community service across the Arab world, inspiring young people and communities to drive positive change and celebrate those making a real difference.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), emphasized that the Hope Makers initiative embodies the Dubai Ruler’s vision to foster a culture of giving, highlight inspiring examples from the Arab world, and spread optimism and hope.

“Since its launch in 2017, this unique initiative has significantly raised awareness of the impact of individual and institutional volunteering. It has demonstrated its ability to improve lives, empowering more people to contribute to their communities and sow seeds of determination and hope,” he said.

Al Gergawi added that over its five previous editions, the initiative received more than 320,000 nominations, showcasing the limitless potential for good in the Arab world and recognizing countless inspiring efforts.

Who Can Be a Hope Maker?

Individuals, volunteer groups, and non-profit organizations driving community-focused change can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The winner will receive a Dh1 million prize.

Applications for the 6th edition of Arab Hope Makers are open via (www.arabhopemakers.com), aiming to collect tens of thousands of stories of hope in the Arab world, highlighting their heroes and celebrating their efforts.

Under the MBRGI, the initiative seeks projects, campaigns, programs, or creative initiatives that improve lives, address social, cultural, educational, or economic challenges, and alleviate suffering within communities, all on a voluntary, non-profit basis.

Last Year’s Hope Maker

Launched in 2017, the Hope Makers initiative began with Sheikh Mohammed’s creative call for nominations for the Hope Maker title with a Dh1 million prize. The response surpassed expectations, with over 65,000 submissions across the Arab world, far exceeding the initial target of 20,000 submissions.

Last year, Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco was named top Arab Hope Maker for his work treating children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, also known as Children of the Moon. Zainoun has cared for 144 children, raising funds for life-saving medications and protective gear.

The Dubai Ruler also ensured the other two finalists received Dh1 million each, bringing the total prize value to Dh3 million.